Oil Change Cost

How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?

A car's motor oil needs to be changed at regularly scheduled intervals set by the manufacturer. Changing oil regularly is an essential part of basic car maintenance. Few manufacturers use the 3,000-mile/three-month standard interval of old, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Typical costs:

An oil change typically costs $20-$55, depending on whether the work is performed at an independent shop, an oil-change retail chain or a dealership, and the number of quarts of oil used in the vehicle. Independent shops and retail chains tend to be less expensive than dealerships. For example, a Midas franchise in Wisconsin[1] charges $30 for an oil change, new oil filter and other basic inspections. Indy Honda[2] in Indianapolis charges $35-$54 for an oil change with a multi-point inspection, depending on the year and model of the vehicle, but in February 2013 it offered an online coupon price of $30-$45.

An oil change using synthetic oil[3] typically costs about $45-$70 or more. Synthetic oil is artificially made, and it is often used in high-performance engines which experience more demanding use. Synthetic blends can handle higher temperatures and last longer between oil changes.

A do-it-yourself oil change typically costs about $10-$20, depending on how many quarts of oil are needed. Engine oil typically costs about $5 -$10 per quart and is available at several national chains, including Autozone[4] and Walmart[5] .

Oil changes involve more parts than just the oil itself. Included in the cost of any oil change is the cost of labor, the oil, shop supplies, an oil filter and any associated gasket, O-rings or seals, plus the cost of disposing of the used oil.

Labor is not charged in the same way that is for other repair jobs. At most shops, oil changes are paid to the technician at a rate of two- or three-tenths of an hour. That means labor makes up $10-$15 of the total cost, with the rest being parts and sales tax.

Oil-change intervals vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and some new cars can go more than 7,000 miles between oil changes[6] . However, many older vehicles will need their oil changed every 3,000 miles. Consumer Guide Automotive lists each manufacturer's recommended oil-change interval[7] .

Additional costs:

Additional costs are rarely incurred during an oil change, unless other problems with the car are found and the consumer chooses to approve the repairs, or if the consumer chooses to add other maintenance to the repair order. Some manufacturers recommend a tire rotation at the same interval as an oil change, and this can add an extra $15-$35.

Many shops include a free inspection as part of an oil change. This is done to discover potential problems with the car, but it also allows the shop to sell the customer additional repairs. The service advisor or technician might also look at the car's maintenance history and recommend any routine maintenance that hasn't been performed.

Discounts:

Repair shops and dealerships frequently offer coupons on oil changes. For example, national chain Firestone Complete Auto Care offers a 30% off coupon[8] for an oil change and filter on most vehicles.

Shopping for an oil change:

The biggest difference between dealerships and independent shops is that dealerships focus on models from one brand, while independent shops handle various makes and models. Dealerships sometimes charge slightly more than independent shops and chains. Many consumers choose to comparison shop based on price and coupons.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a non-profit trade group for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory of certified shops[9] .

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

Jiffy Lube was running a $10.00 off special which was never applied to my bill. Oil change was done on my MINI VAN, but why need a synthetic oil? Was told was best but it's a mini van and I just read synthetic oil is for high performance engines. Mini vans are not high performance engines! Paid $70.00 for service. Then, oil light came on a week later. Took car back and was checked. Was told, "No oil leak". I took it to a mechanic, "Oil leak on unit". Plus, there are stains on the concrete where my car was parked (thought it was water from ice). NEVER WILL GO TO JIFFY LUBE EVER AGAIN. Was conned into a high performance oil change, never received the $10.00 special and they said, "NO OIL LEAK," when the light was on for a reason and THERE WAS OIL LEAKING! Thanks for nothing Jiffy Lube.

Quick service. They did an oil system flush for me, topped off all fluids, did the standard 20-point inspection and gave me a coupon for $5 off my bill. W/o the oil system flush, it would have been $40. After seeing these posts, I feel I was treated fairly.

Nelson does a good, quick job & he's honest, & that means a lot to me these days since we have a President that is NOT! Of course there are labor charges since it isn't performed at his own home.As usual, the shop gets the majority of the amt., & he gets his pay since he's got to make a living. He's a good hard worker & I'd refer him to anyone!

You buy the supplies.. Oil and filter and they do the rest for 20 bucks! I think I paid Advance Auto to much for the oil if anything. They do a great job and check everything else on the car too! Great customer service!

Was totally ripped off. Only wanted an oil change, had previously been changed for free, as leased new car, was told he would try to use previously uncharged toyota care, whicg expires after 2 years, but was not told that. Final bill was $109, feel completely taken advantage of.

I will not return to this place for it took too long, they were running a December special, but refused to honor it because he had already rung it up, and completed services that made my total more without asking. me if it was okay. To top it off, I still have my change oil light glowing in my car. classic!

I got a coupon by email stating 69 for oil change. I made the spot, entered in the type of car, etc. I got to the dealership and they said..,oh we'll see here this is for a conventional oil change. Your car uses synthetic. I said you knew my car when I made the spot, why didn't you notify me that it will be 99 instead of 69. That's deceptive advertising.

Love this place alot but I was expecting to pay around 40-50. When she told me the total I was shocked in a way and joked that I might have to wash cars since no dishes were around to wash. Implying I didn't have enough money to pay. It's a 2011 Chevy Malibu.

They offered a great customer service and the oil change took only 15 mins for my 2011 Cadillac CTS. It seemed a little high but comparable to the Cadillac dealer plus it's closer and quicker. They also checked all fluid levels, topped off the windshield washer fluid, vacuumed the inside, offered to check and top off fluids at no additional cost anytime between regular services.

Regular price posted on company website $69.99(as low as in smaller print).Printable coupon or rewards coupon for $20.00.Or so it seems. In finer print toward the bottomof the post, it mentions a shop supply fee of up to $35.00 additional charge, except CA, WA.Forget what they call it, they charged $34 and change for a "Labor Charge."Deceptive advertising at the very least.Hard to get rid of that "ripped off feeling.

My usual oil change shop had a 3 hr. wait so I went to Jiffy lube. I usually pay about $39.00 for an oil and filter change. To my surprise I was charged $93.00 for an oil and filter change at Jiffy lube. This is a total rip Off! Never again !

This was way more than I expected it to cost. I thought it was gonna be like 25. It was 79 at first but they took off 10 dollars. Then my car didn't start when I got it back and my transmission broke 😑 All of a sudden. I'm not coming back here ever again .I knew I should have went to Kmart. It would have been 25 dollars.

They charged $38 for the synthetic oil, on top of the regular oil package $39 for a total of $80.70 w/ taxes & fees. BTW, normally the premium package of $39 includes regular oil, oil filter, new o-ring for the oil pan plug, inspection of tire pressure, other fluids, wiper blades & air filter, & topping off other fluids (i.e. battery, windshield washer fluid, etc.).

We go to these guys regularly and are always happy with the quick, efficient service. They also needed to replace the filter and do an engine flush. They were running a deal for $65 for oil change, wiper replacement, and engine flush; they replaced the filter charge for the wiper blades in their special but had to add two quarts extra on top of the typical oil change. I have a 2006 F150 Lariat so oil changes aren't cheap to begin with. They always have to add a quart or two extra depending on how long I wait to get the oil changed. I should learn for myself but I'm okay with paying for the convenience of someone else doing it for me. All in all, it took 7 quarts and about 40 minutes.

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Power WashingPaid: 280.00Highly recommended.Jerry came and gave a free estimate. They pressure washed my walkway and driveway which is nice size and patio area. Did a fantastic job... [more]

Extraction & Bone graftPaid: 4200.0012 teeth (upper) extracted. Felt pain of every tooth being pulled. Worse Dental experience ever. Had Novocain and Laughing gas. Told dentists I was in pain and she just kept shooting more Novocain into my gums. Told a total of 5 hours... [more]